Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe

Hearty Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe – Cozy Comfort Food

Crafting a hearty hamburger and potato casserole brings comfort to your dinner table like nothing else.

Layers of savory ground beef blend perfectly with tender potato slices.

Cheese melts into every delicious crevice, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Weeknight meals demand simple yet satisfying solutions that everyone will love.

Home cooking reaches new heights with this classic comfort dish.

Families gather around, eager to dig into each delectable spoonful.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future cozy dinners.

Why Hamburger And Potato Casserole Is A Weeknight Favorite

Why Hamburger And Potato Casserole Is A Weeknight Favorite
  • Boost Family Bonding: Create memorable moments around the dinner table with this hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that brings everyone together for a satisfying meal.
  • Simplify Cooking Process: Layer ingredients effortlessly in one baking dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and reducing the stress of preparing multiple components for dinner.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra cheese, different herbs, or additional vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Deliver a warm, filling meal that provides ultimate satisfaction with its creamy texture, rich flavors, and classic combination of ground beef and potatoes.

What Goes Into Hamburger And Potato Casserole

Main Ingredients:

Meat Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the casserole.
Potato Base:
  • Potatoes: Sliced potatoes create a classic, comforting foundation for the casserole layers.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty topping that provides a delicious golden brown finish.
  • Sour Cream: Creates a rich and tangy binding element for the casserole mixture.
Soup and Sauce Components:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Offers a creamy texture and adds depth of flavor to the casserole.
Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Worcestershire Sauce: Contribute essential seasoning and complex flavor notes to the ground beef.
Cooking Preparation Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté aromatics and prevents sticking during initial cooking.
Baking Accessories:
  • Aluminum Foil: Protects the casserole from over-browning during the baking process.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Chives: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the completed dish.

How To Make Hamburger And Potato Casserole Fast

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F, preparing it for our delicious casserole creation.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook until onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook and break apart the meat while seasoning with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Worcestershire sauce

Drain any excess fat after cooking.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Sour cream
  • Cream of mushroom soup

Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: First Layer of Potatoes

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom.

Step 6: Add First Meat Layer

Distribute half of the cooked ground beef over the potato layer.

Step 7: Spread First Sauce Layer

Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef.

Step 8: Repeat Layering

Add the remaining:
  • Potato slices
  • Ground beef
  • Creamy soup mixture

Step 9: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.

Step 10: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.

Step 11: Finish Baking

Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.

Tips To Perfect Hamburger And Potato Casserole

  • Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
  • Layer Carefully: Spread ingredients evenly to guarantee consistent flavor and texture in every single bite of the casserole.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven to allow cheese to set and become perfectly creamy.
  • Potato Preparation: Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the entire dish.
  • Enhance Flavor Boost: Add a dash of paprika or dried herbs like thyme to elevate the overall taste profile of the casserole.

Tasty Twists On Hamburger And Potato Casserole

  • Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using vegetable broth instead of Worcestershire sauce for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with riced cauliflower or thinly sliced cauliflower rounds for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains the casserole's creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning into the beef mixture for a zesty southwestern-style casserole.

What Pairs Well With Hamburger And Potato Casserole

  • Pair Zesty Red Wine: Robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complement the rich beef and creamy texture of the casserole, cutting through the heaviness with their tannic structure.
  • Serve Fresh Green Salad: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and add refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
  • Match Tangy Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, meaty casserole, enhancing the overall dining experience with its carbonation and flavor complexity.

How To Store Hamburger And Potato Casserole Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air.
  • Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying.

Common Questions About Hamburger And Potato Casserole

  • Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes. Just slice them uniformly for even cooking.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

  • Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Sure! Cream of chicken or cream of celery work great as alternatives if you prefer different flavors or have dietary needs.

  • How can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories and fat while maintaining the delicious taste.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe

Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger and potato casserole brings comfort straight from midwestern kitchens, blending ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese into one satisfying dish. Hungry families will devour this classic one-pan meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat:

  • 1 pound (453.6 grams) ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing a clean 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce for enhanced flavor complexity.
  4. Drain excess fat from the beef mixture to ensure a lighter, less greasy casserole.
  5. Whisk together sour cream and cream of mushroom soup in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
  6. Create the first layer in the baking dish by arranging half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom, creating an even foundation.
  7. Distribute half of the seasoned ground beef over the potato layer, followed by spreading half of the creamy soup mixture on top.
  8. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, ground beef, and soup mixture, ensuring even coverage.
  9. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface, providing a golden, melty finish.
  10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning during initial baking.
  11. Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, maintaining consistent temperature.
  12. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.
  13. Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven, which helps set the layers and intensify flavors.
  14. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving for added visual appeal and herbaceous notes.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that still delivers incredible flavor.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn directly into the beef layer for extra vitamins and color.
  • Consider reducing sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and selecting reduced-fat cheese to make the dish more heart-friendly.
  • Prep potatoes ahead by soaking sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring a crispier and more evenly cooked casserole texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star